THE CORONAVIRUS emergency will soon be officially over in Huntington Beach (Shutterstock).

You might still wash your hands a lot – always a good idea – and leave the mask at home, but now it’s official. The coronavirus crisis is almost over, at least officially.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Huntington Beach City Council voted 6-0 (one seat is vacant)in favor of a proposal by Councilmember Mike Posey to direct the city manager to prepare the “necessary documents” to end the city’s COVID-19 emergency declaration.

Approval of that paperwork will draw to a close the city’s power to install and enforce restrictions such as mask-wearing, reductions in customer capacity at stores and eateries, etc.

The council’s action comes in the wake of the June 15 “reopening” proclamation from the state government.

Also on Tuesday night, the council approved a proposal by Councilmember Natalie Moser for the city to develop a citywide sustainability master plan that “should incorporate and prioritize protection of our local environment, advancement of our common economic interests, expansion of community health/well-being programs, and elevation of equity and inclusion efforts.”

The vote was 5-1, with Councilmember Erik Peterson dissenting.

The council will hold special meetings Friday and Saturday mornings to interview candidates to fill the vacancy on the council created by the resignation of Tito Ortiz. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 20 at 6 p.m.